Lois Carrels

Lois Irene Kendall Carrels

passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday evening in Florida after a lengthy illness.

A resident of Indianapolis, she and her family were among the first residents of the Orchard Park neighborhood, moving there in 1959 and living there until her passing.

Lois was born in Spring Valley, MN in 1931, the daughter of Anna (Musolf) and Lloyd Kendall. She grew up in Lake City, MN and married Peter Andrew Carrels in Wabasha, MN in 1952 after the two met at a dancehall. Before moving to Indianapolis, they resided in Minneapolis and Wayne, MI for several years.

Lois and Pete had five children. They loved toting their kids around to baseball and kickball games, cheerleading events, and many other extracurricular activities. They often served as the "carpool" parents for many activities throughout the years, and never missed an event. Her home, which she decorated for each holiday, including the Indianapolis 500, served as the hub for numerous family events, holidays and gatherings.

She retired with 25 years of service from Bio-Dynamics/Boehringer Mannheim Corporation, where she worked in the purchasing department as an expediter.

Lois loved visiting her relatives in Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa, writing letters, and never missed sending a birthday card. She was also fond of crossword puzzles, board games, scrabble, playing cards, getting her back scratched, candy and snacks. In her later years, she loved working in her yard and volunteering at her church. Lois was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter A. Carrels; brothers, Louis, Boyd, and Bill Kendall; and sister, Shirley Gaul. She is survived by her sisters, Bea Kendall, Sharon Andre, and Pam Sorenson; and brother, Duane Kendall. Her children, a son, Peter K. Carrels and wife Susan of Tulsa, OK; and four daughters, Ann Anderson and husband Rich of Bradenton, FL; Lisa Carrels of Charleston, SC; Mary Branton and husband Chris of Charleston, S.C.; and Chris Wahlig of Muenster, Germany. Thirteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one great-grandchild on the way, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbors, and close family friend Mark Mallare, remain to carry on her memories.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., with a Rosary Service at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at Flanner and Buchanan - Carmel . A funeral mass will be held for Lois on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with an hour of calling prior to service at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Carmel, IN. Graveside services will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to http://www.flannerbuchanan.com